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Is your pec massage limited to a few quick techniques as you work the arms? With the broad size and postural importance of pectoralis major, it may be worth while to give it some more focus. In this video, we review the anatomy of pecs major and minor, and then I demonstrate some techniques for engaging the fascia from several different angles.
0:00 Introduction
0:40 Pec major anatomy and kinesiology
1:50 Pec minor anatomy and kinesiology
4:05 Anatomy review with a client
5:10 Conservative pec massage techniques
7:30 More extensive techniques
10:30 Working with the sternum
11:40 Myofascial techniques
13:05 Working with the arm in flexion
14:30 Other hand tools to use
15:10 Working with pec minor
As you work with pec major, interact with the ribs, clavicle, and the deltoid region. Allow your work to range far and wide, because this muscle is hooked into a very broad fascial network (one that has a lot to do with head-forward and rounded-shoulder posture!). Make sure to follow it to its attachment site along the bicipital groove, where there's still some feel-good work to be done.
When working with pec minor, remember the vascular and nervous tissue that run under and through it (including our dear friend, the brachial plexus). For me, this means not worrying so much about trigger points or referred pain, because we are likely compressing big nerves. While they can handle some pressure, I find that angled, broader techniques are kinder when dealing with such areas. As with pec major, go from origin to insertion and beyond!
Let me know what you think. Did I miss any pec techniques that you love? Am I off-base by being so careful with pec minor? Tell me about it in the comments!
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